Friday, 27 March 2009, Macclesfield
Northern Ireland defeat England
Carnegie Centenary Shield
England 0 – 1 Northern Ireland
Darren McCauley (80)
The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team got their challenge for the Carnegie Centenary Shield back on track with a 1-0 win over England at Macclesfield.
Aaron McElwee, who missed the 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland through injury, soon made his presence felt as he worked industriously in midfield with the visitors taking control in the early stages. Northern Ireland had claims for a penalty turned down in the eleventh minute when Liam Boyce was sent tumbling in the penalty area.
England went lose after 12 minutes when Joe Villiers saw his shot cleared off the line by Craig Hill. Boyce and Gavin McParland combined well to create a chance for Boyce but the striker’s low right foot shot across goal went inches past the post.
McElwee and McParland were also just off target as Northern Ireland continued to dominate.
Five minutes before the break Boyce saw his header trickle across goal but no one was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
After the interval Northern Ireland continued to dictate the play. On 77 minutes neat interpassing between Stephen Dooley and Mark Haughey created an opening for McElwee whose shot was blocked on the line. One minute later McElwee fired a left foot shot from 22 yards which dipped just over the bar.
With 10 minutes remaining Northern Ireland Captain Darren McCauley finally broke the deadlock. Boyce and McElwee split open the home defence and when McElwee found McCauley with a cross from the left the tall midfielder buried his shot into the corner of the net from 10 yards.